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Sony's PlayStation 4 remains top dog among the latest generation of consoles after March sales figures showed it continuing to outpace Microsoft's Xbox One.
Sony revealed earlier this week it had sold more than 7 million PS4 units worldwide, while Microsoft said it had shipped 5 million Xbox Ones to retailers to date.
Microsoft reported sales of 311,000 Xbox Ones in the U.S. in March, while Sony sold an estimated 370,000 PS4 units. The PlayStation 4 led hardware sales for the third month in a row in March, the NPD Group said.
Microsoft was unable to take the lead despite the success of its much-hyped Titanfall, which was expected to help Microsoft sell units of the console, particularly because the game was packaged into some console bundles at no extra cost.
While Titanfall was the top-selling game in the U.S. in March, it was unable to help the Xbox One overcome the PS4.
Broad Demographic
"I haven't looked underneath a lot of these figures in terms of the demographics, but I would say probably that the PlayStation demographic is more broadly based," Susan Schreiner, an analyst at C4 Trends, told the E-Commerce Times.
"I think there's very few games out there that can drive those kinds of major numbers," Schreiner noted.
That said, there is still opportunity for Titanfall to drive console sales, she said.
Hardware sales for March were up 78 percent over March 2013, from US$222 million to $395 million. The increased sales were driven entirely by console sales, which were up more than 100 percent, mostly due to the PS4 and Xbox One.
Through their first five months at retail, the PS4 and Xbox One have sold more than double that of their previous generation consoles, the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, in the same time frame.
"Overall, on this generation, the initial sales to this point are very robust in comparison to previous cycles," said independent games industry analyst Billy Pidgeon.
"PS4 did have a strong advantage, and it's going to take Xbox One a bit to catch up," he told the E-Commerce Times. "They may in fact overcome PS4, but I think they're going to remain pretty evenly distributed in the first half of the cycle."
Lingering Effects
The success of the Xbox 360 in the previous generation may have some lingering effects on those invested in the Xbox ecosystem who are in no rush to upgrade to the latest console.
"PS3 was not very strong and took a while to sell in while 360 is still a viable platform. That's a good thing, not only for Microsoft but for third-party publishers, because there's a much larger install base," Pidgeon pointed out.
"If that install base stopped being active, that would be a really negative thing for Xbox, I think. I also think that the continued viability of the 360 base creates a bit of a drag on the upsell of the One. That's not to say there aren't hardcore early adopters who have both 360 and One active," he acknowledged.
"As there are still plenty of games on the 360 that still look great, there is less incentive, and some people do wait longer," Pidgeon continued. "There has been a strong upsell on the next generation overall. The 360 is somewhat of a drag on the Xbox One uptick, but there are positives to that as well."
In total, U.S. consumers spent $1.025 billion on new physical games, hardware, and game-related accessories in March, according to NPD data. That figure is up 3 percent from the same month in 2013.
Software Slump
U.S. software sales slumped, however, with consumers spending $406 million, down 27 percent from $555 million in March 2013 sales. The figures only cover new games sold at physical stores, and not used titles or those purchased through digital platforms like PlayStation Store and the Xbox Marketplace.
After Titanfall, the PS4 had the second-best selling game of the month with Infamous: Second Son. Multiplatform titles South Park: The Stick of Truth, Call of Duty: Ghosts, and Dark Souls II also feature in the top five.
Of those, neither South Park: The Stick of Truth nor Dark Souls II is available for PS4 or Xbox One. Titanfall also was available for PC in March, while it was released for Xbox 360 earlier this month.
"I see Titanfall as having a longer-term effect because, although it certainly could have had an immediate effect on Xbox One, it was polluted by the strategy of putting it out on PC at the same time — which I think was a good strategy — and then also putting it out on 360," Pidgeon said.
"It certainly sold a lot on all of those platforms," he observed, "but I do think that versions picked up on PC and 360 may lead to additional sales of the Xbox One."
'Closer Look'
"The Xbox customer, from what I've been able to ascertain, is somewhat different to the Sony customer," C4's Schreiner added. "In order to reach across the aisle, I think Xbox will need to take a closer look at its offerings."
Sales of video game accessories were up 4 percent from March 2013, from $216 million to $224 million. Overall, new physical software sales — for console, portable and PC platforms — were down, from $602 million to $432 million.


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Environmental Justice
Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.
EPA has this goal for all communities and persons across this nation. It will be achieved when everyone enjoys:
- the same degree of protection from environmental and health hazards, and
- equal access to the decision-making process to have a healthy environment in which to live, learn, and work.
Learn about the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council (NEJAC).
Read about EPA's EJ 2020 Action Agenda, EPA's strategic plan for advancing environmental justice.
Learn about Environmental Justice in Your Community.
Find grants and resources, including technical assistance programs, training, and more.
Learn More About
- Environmental Justice
- Community Voices on Environmental Justice
- Federal Interagency Working Group
- Environmental Justice for Tribes and Indigenous Peoples
- Equitable Development and Environmental Justice
- Environmental Justice and National Environmental Policy Act
- Environmental Justice and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
- EPA's Role in International Human Rights, Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and Environmental Justice

subset: commoncrawl


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Visit the city of Brotherly Love
Getting around Philadelphia has never been simpler or more fun than with a car rental from Alamo Rent A Car. History buffs will love a visit to Independence Hall and The Liberty Bell Center while movie lovers can pose with The Rocky statue! With a variety of vehicles, including full size and economy cars, minivans and SUVs, Alamo has the perfect car for getting wherever you want to go.
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Ofrenda por Rafael Jesús González, Museo de California en Oakland, 2017, detalle
Ofrenda by Rafael Jesús González, Oakland Museum of California, 2017, detail
----Consejo para el peregrino a Mictlan
------------------------(al modo Nahua)
Cruza el campo amarillo de cempoales,
baja al reino de las sombras;
es amplio, es estrecho.
Interroga a los ancianos;
son sabios, son necios:— Señores míos, Señoras mías,
¿Qué verdad dicen sus flores, sus cantos?
¿Son verdaderamente bellas, ricas sus plumas?
¿No es el oro sólo excremento de los dioses?
Sus jades, ¿son los más finos, los más verdes?
Su legado, ¿es tinta negra, tinta roja? —
Acepta sólo lo preciso:
-----lo que te haga amplio el corazón
--------lo que te ilumine el rostro.
-----------------------------------© Rafael Jesús González 2018
-----Advice for the Pilgrim to Mictlan
------------------- (in the Nahua mode)
Cross the yellow fields of marigolds,
descend to the realm of shadows;
it is wide, it is narrow.
Question the ancients;
they are wise, they are fools:
— My Lords, My Ladies,
What truth do your flowers, your songs tell?
Are your feathers truly lovely, truly rich?
Is not gold only the excrement of the gods?
Your jades, are they the finest, the most green?
Your legacy, is it black ink, red ink? —
Accept only the necessary:
-----what will widen your heart
----what will enlighten your face.
----------------------------------© Rafael Jesús González 2018
[Descent to Mictlan, Land of the Dead: Trance Poem in the Nahua mode (commissioned by the Oakland Museum of California while the author was Poet in Residence under a Writers on Site award by Poets & Writers, Inc. and a grant from The James Irvine Foundation in 1996) was written as a performance piece for voice, drums, didgeridoos, and movement with Xochipilli, Men's Ritual Group, intended to guide the audience upon an introspective journey of the imagination down into the kingdom of Death.
It is not so much entertainment as it is ritual art which, with the consent of each person in the audience to give himself or herself to their imagination, would induce the heightened perception of trance to descend into our collective and personal past to examine the legacy of our ancestors. What they have given us, we have become. It may be read by the attentive reader in the same way.
The times demand that we take stock of who we are, for our great Mother the Earth is wounded and, to heal her, we must heal ourselves, learn from the wisdom of our forebears and discard their mistakes. And in return for what each brings back from the store house of the past, each must make a commitment, in good faith, to change and to heal ourselves; and to care for and protect the Earth, all that she bears, and each other in brotherhood and sisterhood of the spirit and of the flesh. It is a gift and a blessing. Any less and we risk our own extinction on the Earth.]
Cruzad el campo amarillo de cempoales.
Cross the yellow fields of marigolds.
Bajad al reino de las sombras — es amplio, es estrecho.
Descend to the realm of shadows — it is wide, it is narrow.
We come to the mouth of the cavern of caverns,
realm of Mictlantecuhtli, Mictlancihuatl,
Señor-Señora Muerte, Our Lord, Our Lady of Death —
It is wide, it is narrow;
pasad, enter this chamber of yellow blooms,
--------the cempoalxochitl, the shield flower,
------------flor de muertos, flower of the Dead.
We step, we walk;
-----we walk the sacred;
---------every step is sacred.
We walk in the tracks of our ancestors,
we step in the tracks of the old ones,
----our grandmothers, our grandfathers,
----the ancients:
--------the people of the drum
--------the people of the canoe
--------the people of the pyramids
--------the people of the spear
--------the people of the shuttle and loom
--------the people of the sickle and plow,
------------our ancient ones, all of the clans.
They taught us to see;
they taught us not to see;
-----from them we learned to see;
-----------we learned not to see.
They taught us to dream;
------they taught us to fear;
-----------much to learn, much to unlearn.
We step in their tracks, we step on the sacred.
We walk, we step in the tracks of our ancestors,
----our relations:
---------the ocelot
---------the buffalo
---------the coyote
---------the bear
---------the salmon, the serpent, the eagle, the hawk,
---------monkey, turtle, frog,
---------the owl and the bat.
Further, further we walk:
the spider, the moth, the fly, the coral, the mite,
ameba, paramecium, germ, virus - all of the clans.
They taught us to see, to live in the now,
------to smell, to taste,
------to hear, to live in the now.
We step in their tracks,
-----we walk on the sacred —
---------all our relations, all of the clans.
We walk, we step in the tracks of our ancestors,
our relations:
-----the fern, the redwood
-----the pine, the oak
-----the cactus, the mesquite
-----the violet, the rose
-----the fig, the grape-vine, the wheat
-----the corn, the thistle, the grass
-----the mushroom, the moss, the lichen, the algae,
-----the mold — all of the clans.
They taught us to touch, to fully delight in the here,
------to find contentment on the here.
We step in their tracks,
-----we walk on the sacred —
---------all our relations, all of the clans.
We walk, we step
-----in the tracks of our ancestors, our relations:
--------the granite, the sandstone
--------the jasper, the serpentine
--------the turquoise, the flint
--------the opal, the crystal
--------the agate, the jade
--------the gold, the iron
----the silver, the lead, the copper, the tin,
----boulder, pebble, sand, dust — all of the clans.
They taught us silence, quiet;
------they taught us to stay, to be.
We step in their track,
-----we walk on the sacred —
---------all our relations, all of the clans.
------It is dark; it is light —
here the roots of the Tree of Life,
------árbol de la vida, tree of Tamoanchan.
Look: wealth, treasure, our inheritance.
Look: teocuitatl, oro, gold, shit of the gods
-------chalchihuitl, jade, jade, the green stone
-------quetzalli, plumas, feathers, the precious things
-------xochitl, flores, the roots of flowers —
gifts and burdens,
------the useful, the hindering,
----------the dark medicine, the glittering poison.
Pick and choose: empowering joys there are,
--------------------useless sorrows there are;
needs true — clear and lovely as water
desires true — ruddy and joyous as wine;
--------needs false and deadly as arsenic
--------desires false and deadly as knives;
swords of jewels, plows muddied and dulled by stones;
--------dazzling powders, herbs rich in visions.
Choose and sort — it is not much you can carry.
Our ancestors, our relations make council; listen:
Much have our mothers, our fathers
-------our grandmothers, our grandfathers
-------our ancestors left us:
-----------gifts are there for our blessing
-----------debts are there for our curse.
Interroga a los ancianos — son sabios, son necios.
Question the ancients — they are wise, they are fools.
Señores míos, Señoras mías — my Lords, my Ladies,
---------¿Qué verdad dicen sus flores, sus cantos?
---------What truth do your flowers, your songs tell?
---------¿Són verdaderamente bellas, ricas sus plumas?
---------Are your feathers truly lovely, truly rich?
---------¿No es el oro sólo excremento de los dioses?
---------Is not gold only the excrement of the gods?
---------Sus jades, ¿son los más finos, los más verdes?
---------Your jades, are they the finest, the most green?
---------Su legado, ¿es tinta negra, tinta roja?
---------Your legacy, is it black ink, red ink?
They offer gifts, they give teachings:
------precious, worthless
------healing, dangerous —
sort, choose — choose the precious, the healing;
-----------------discard the worthless, the harmful;
------there is much to learn, there is much to unlearn.
Choose - each offers gifts, our ancestors, our relations —
---------human, animal, plant, mineral —
------------------they are us, our relations.
Choose and sort, sort and choose
---------these gifts are of the Earth, la Tierra
---------these gifts celebrate and nurture her
---------these gifts blaspheme and destroy her
---------------------These gifts are of the Earth.
Sort and choose, choose and sort.
-----The ancients are wise, the ancients are fools;
----------riches they gathered, garbage they hoarded.
Acepta sólo lo preciso; accept only the necessary:
--------lo que te haga amplio el corazón
--------what will widen your heart
--------lo que te ilumine el rostro
--------what will enlighten your face.
Pick and choose —
------hush —
--------------in silence sort and choose, sort and choose.
Hush —
----------Look carefully - have we chosen well?
the way back is hard, full of dread
----and much have our ancestors left us.
---------What of their gifts is worth the sharing?
----------------Consider well —
------------------------the gold and the jeweled sword
--------------------is not more than the work-dulled plow.
Consider, test your choice —
---------------------------------hush —
Tasks await us on the Earth for our healing, for hers —
-------difficult, great.
---------------Choose well for the journey, for the work.
hush —
----------------------joy is the root of our strength,
------------- the roots that feed us come from the heart
---------the science most wise disturbs least —
-----hush — hush — hush
So, we choose what we choose.
Remember: from these gifts we make our own;
--------------we add to the hoard.
-------Do not burden the children.
Do not carry so much we cannot hold each other's hands.
----Remember: the most precious treasure
-----------------is that which we take for the giving.
We choose what we choose —
-----make ready — take up your bundle,
-----the seeds of our making - it is light, it is heavy;
-----precious are the bones of our ancestors;
-----leaving them buried makes them no less precious;
they are of the Earth, Madre Tierra, Coatlicue,
-----------------Pachi Mama, the Earth needs them.
------ehecatl, aire, air
------tletl, fuego, fire
------atl, agua, water
------tlalli, tierra, earth.
Make ready to leave the store house, the treasure;
walk round the cavern once as the clock turns
------from the East, red and gold with knowledge
------to the South yellow and green with love
------to the West black and blue with strength
------to the North white with healing.
You are now at the threshold — it is wide, it is narrow
-----------------------------------it is dark, it is light
-----------------------------------it is steep, it is plain.
Do not look back;
leave Mictlan, reino de la muerte, realm of the dead;
-------leave the cave of the ancients,
--------------the cave of our treasure;
------------------begin the way back.
What you bring back from the land of the dead,
-------from among the bones of the ancestors,
-------------is your gift to life.
---------------------Pray the gods you choose well.
Vuelve, vuelve, return.
It is your commitment,
-----the healing of yourself and the Earth.
What will you do?
-------How will you honor the ancestors?
-------------What will you say to the children?
--------------------What will you do for justice and peace?
Vuelve, vuelve, return.
Go, vete —
------------lleva la bendición de la vida;
------------------carry the blessing of life.
------------Go, vete —
form a face, form a heart.
forma un rostro, un corazón
in ixtli, in yollotl
Go, vete, go —
que los dioses te tengan, may the gods keep you.
In whatever you do, bendice la vida,
--------------pass on the blessing of life.
Vete y bendice la vida;
-----Go and pass on the blessing of life.
Vete, ha acabado; Go, the journey is finished —
Vete y empieza un día nuevo,
-----Go and begin a new day.
-----Vete, Go.
--------------------------------------© Rafael Jesús González 2018


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How SeaWorld's Treatment of Killer Whales Violates Jewish Law
If you're looking for a good cry but are tired of Adele and don't have the time for "Les Misérables," try watching the first 20 minutes of "Blackfish," the new documentary by Gabriela Cowperwaith, originally in theaters and set to air on CNN in October. You'll hear the story of the 1983 capture of Tilikum, the 6-ton orca responsible for the death of three people and still living on-site at SeaWorld Orlando. If the orca herd's failed attempt to save its babies, its refusal to leave the side of the boat holding the captured 3-year-old and the sounds of the crying mothers demanding the child's return don't bring you to tears, just wait: The emotional breakdown of one of the captors — a full-grown, white-haired man — calling the capture "the worst thing [he's] ever done," will probably do the trick.
But that is just the beginning of Tilikum's sad, ongoing tale. After being separated from his family, he is sent to Sealand of the Pacific, a now closed, shabby (to put it mildly) little water park in Victoria, British Columbia. There he is trained using techniques that pit the other, larger whales against him, and then locked in a tiny cage (20 feet deep and 28 feet in diameter) with them all night, emerging in the morning covered with teeth marks.
When a trainer falls in the pool, Tilikum is implicated in her death; but instead of putting down the whale (as would have immediately happened if he were, say, a pit bull) or setting him free, Sealand closes and he is sold to SeaWorld.
Of all the abuses that, according to the documentary, the whales, including Tilikum, suffer at SeaWorld, there is nothing more heartbreaking than the company's seemingly blasé attitude about separating babies from their mothers. Both the trainers and the scientists attest to the obvious signs of mourning the female orcas exhibit when the calves are taken from them.
Killer whales, we learn, are not only highly communicative, even cultured mammals, but are also extremely family oriented. Offspring stay with their mothers for their entire lives. Separating them, we see (and hear — the mothers sound like they are literally screaming and crying), is nothing short of cruel.
Unlike most of Western civilization, Judaism has long recognized the basic lack of humanity inherent in animal abuse. In contrast to say, Kierkegaard who viewed animals as anxiety- and despair-free creatures, and Descartes, who famously wrote that a dog with a broken paw can't even feel its own pain, Jewish law not only forbids us from inflicting pain on animals, but also goes even further, requiring us to ease their unnecessary suffering, whatever has caused it.
The doctrine of tza'ar ba'alei chaim, or the prevention of the suffering of animals, originates in the Torah and has modern-day implications that go far beyond the days of plowing fields with oxen. The Torah tells us — not once, but twice — that if we see an overburdened animal, whether we know or like the owner, we must unload the baggage from its back. (Exodus 23:5; Deuteronomy 22:4). We cannot walk by and ignore it.
The Torah also instructs us to consider the differences between animals and their abilities: It forbids tying together an ox and a donkey to plow a field; these two animals don't naturally work at the same pace, so pairing them will likely cause injury or pain. If Tilikum's trainers had taken this lesson into account when training him, he might not have spent his nights under attack from the other whales.
But by far the most emotional, heart-wrenching tragedy shown in "Blackfish" is the mother-baby separation, which occurred in the wild with Tilikum's capture and now continues in captivity every time a female orca gives birth and the powers that be decide to move the baby to a different water park. The Torah's stance on the existence of a mother-child bond in animals is unwavering. Examples include the prohibition of boiling of a kid in its mother's milk — mentioned three times (Exodus 23:19; Exodus 34:26; Deuteronomy. 14:21) — and forbidding us from slaughtering a cow or sheep on the same day its young is slaughtered (Leviticus 22:28).
"Blackfish" only begins to tell the story of the abuse that makes venues like SeaWorld possible, and orcas are not the only animals that are exploited. The 2009 Oscar-winning documentary "The Cove" explains how creating a market for live dolphins (they are sold to water parks for around $200,000 each) also creates a market for dead ones.
Every year, fishermen in Taiji, Japan, corral more than 20,000 dolphins into a cove, where trainers come, pick their favorites and take them to their new "homes" to be coached into performers. Those who aren't chosen are then slaughtered en masse and sold as meat. While SeaWorld has stopped buying its dolphins from Taiji, it hasn't used its authority in the world of dolphinariums to end the practices, either. Why?
As Fred Jacobs, vice president of communications for Busch Entertainment Corp., SeaWorld's corporate parent, told MSNBC, "We do not want to be accused of being disingenuous… if we go to an aquarium in China and say, 'You guys should not be involved,' the first thing out of their mouths will be, 'Well, you did it,' and we cannot argue that point." That might be fine for a giant, mega-corporation, but as we know, Jews are not allowed to sit idly by while an animal, whoever the owner is, suffers.
Deena Shanker is a writer and occasional attorney living in New York City. You can see more of her work on her website, and follow her on Twitter, deenashanker


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After the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, the US waived visa requirements for Haitian children being adopted by Americans. More than 1,000 kids were flown to the US to live with their new moms and dads. But what about the children in Haiti whose biological parents were living and working in the US? Countless Haitian families were split between the two countries, and reunification of those families is an ongoing struggle.
Such is the case for Carmine Pierre. On a recent afternoon, she sits on the couch in the bare one-bedroom she shares with her sister outside Boston, scratching away at a pre-paid phone card. Pierre burns through these things, calling her 11-year-old son, Marc Kelly, in Haiti. She hasn't seen him since he was four.
Pierre got a chance to come to the States in 2007 when her father was granted asylum. So she left Marc Kelly in the care of her aunt in Haiti, while she worked to get residency and make some money in the US. The idea was to bring her son here.
It became even more urgent after the earthquake in 2010.
Pierre says her aunt was in the kitchen with Marc Kelly when the earthquake struck. Her aunt pushed him outside and saved his life, but she died, along with her son. Pierre says her uncle survived but is still in shock.
"My child is alone," she says. "He's not in good hands.'"
Marc Kelly is among more than 100,000 Haitians who've been approved for family-based visas to come to the US yet are still waiting for the necessary documents. The children of green card holders, like Marc Kelly, wait on average about three years. For many other family members, it can take 12.
It's not supposed to be like this, says Steven Forester, a Miami-based immigration policy expert who's been campaigning for a remedy since the quake.
"Ten days after the earthquake," Forester says, "an op-ed appeared in The Washington Post by Elliott Abrams, of the Reagan and Bush Administrations, saying, 'Look, if you want to help Haiti recover, one very effective way is to increase legal immigration.'"
One argument was that it would boost remittances from the US to Haiti.
"So a number of major newspaper editorial boards started advocating that a Haitian Family Reunification program be created for those people who our government has already approved to join their families here."
Over the past three years, letters and petitions have poured into the White House and the Department of Homeland Security in favor of such a program.
Part of the appeal, Forester says, is simplicity. It wouldn't require an act of Congress, just executive approval.
Forester knows this because it's already been done–for Cubans back, in 2007 under George W. Bush. President Obama renewed the policy for Cubans in 2010, after the earthquake in Haiti.
It's a sore point for Haitians, especially in South Florida. Many complain about a double standard when it comes to Cuba.
"It is really, really frustrating that after over 30 years we are still fighting for the same things," says Marleine Bastien, the head of a social services organization called FANM, or Haitian Women in Miami. She feels let down by the Obama Administration.
"It is time," Bastien says, "for president Obama to create a Haitian family parole, just like the Cuban family parole has been created. When you compare Cuba and Haiti right now, Haiti is in a ten times worse state than Cuba."
The Administration hasn't come out against a Haitian Family Reunification program. No one at Homeland Security would speak to me about the issue, but some Haiti activists say people close to the president assured them it was on the agenda–just on hold, first while Obamacare was being debated, and now with immigration reform unresolved.
But many Haitians say the immigration bill doesn't address their immediate concerns. For Carmine Pierre, it's that her son's spending his childhood in an unstable household. But she smiles when she talks about the phone calls they share.
Through peals of laughter, she tells me, "He said, 'Ma, I'm getting big now. When are you going to come get me?'"
I ask her what she said.
"I told him, 'I don't know,'" she says, and then she stops laughing. "Jesus, I don't know."
Amy Bracken is an Immigration Journalism Fellow with the French-American Foundation.
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You Shall Not Pass! Finding The End in Open World Games
Daniel Hindes breaks down the invisible walls of gaming's boundless open worlds to discover that they do in fact end, and how developers can get creative with those confines.
Daniel Hindes breaks down the invisible walls of gaming's boundless open worlds to discover that they do in fact end, and how developers can get creative with those confines.
University of Missouri research indicates male players experience spike in testosterone when defeating those they don't know, dip when beating friends.
Boffins studying Unreal Tournament 2004 find gamers have more of a winning chance as choosing the red side as opposed to blue.
Celebrated developer releasing five installments in its Unreal franchise--including Unreal Tournament III--on Valve's download service.
New BioShock podcast covers PC version, Tom Clancy games updated, and Sword of the New World client hits GameSpot.
Pro gamer and World Cyber Games champ will be profiled on this Sunday's show.
[UPDATE] Massive update for popular PC shooter adds nine new deathmatch, assault, and CTF maps.
GameSpot talks with four prominent game designers about what it takes to do their jobs, and how to get involved in game design.
Ace PC gamers Lauke, eVeNfLoW, and Falcon take on all comers at last week's exhibition. One champ then owns Fata1ty at his own booth.
This week: Unreal III, WOW's Chinese takeout command, the Apple gPod, and Sony drops support for PS2 FFXI.
Epic Games' technology and tools selected for titles developed and published by Microsoft's internal developer, Microsoft Game Studios.
Red Orchestra, The Journey are the champion modifications in Unreal Tournament contest.
We meet with Epic's Cliff Bleszinski to get a first look at the Editors' Choice edition of Unreal Tournament 2004
Winners of the third round of the "Make Something Unreal" contest announced across 11 categories.
Patch version 3270 fixes a slew of bugs and onslaught balance issues and improves AI and netcode.
Editor's Choice Edition scheduled for fall release. Set to include new onslaught maps, vehicles, characters, and mods.
Surprise deal will see the traditionally console-centric company publish one of PC gaming's premier franchises, possibly for next-gen consoles.
Research firm Secunia warns of a "critical" flaw in a widely used piece of game software.
A selection of maps, models, and mutators for the popular PC shooter is now available on DLX.
Samsung Electronics announces that the grand final of this year's World Cyber Games will take place in San Francisco.
Epic and Atari are reportedly prepping the first update for their wildly popular PC shooter.
The third version of Epic's PC fragfest packs the game onto a single disc.
Graphics card maker promises that "new level of graphics technology" will be on display at the GeForce LAN Party.
This walkthrough includes tips on all the game's weapons, game modes, as well as the dozens of new maps. Can't quite figure out what to do in assault, or wondering ...
Get two free Epic-designed maps in the PC shooter's new bonus pack, premiering on GameSpot DLX.
GameSpot will premiere a pack of two free onslaught bonus maps this Friday. New screens inside.
GDC-goers get a glimpse of user-made mods in action.
Taking a cue from other online game publishers, Epic and Atari provide a new way to streamline the process of setting up a UT 2004 server.
Two online multiplayer shooters enter the arena. Only one leaves. GameSpot editors explore the pros and cons of these major titles from EA and Atari.
Users caught cheating on UT 2004 online servers to have their CD-keys banned indefinitely.
Atari and Epic Games have started shipping both standard and special-edition versions of Unreal Tournament 2004 to stores worldwide.
Epic preps online gamers for Unreal Tournament 2004 release.
Your long wait is almost over. Unreal Tournament 2004 will be on store shelves soon, and we've gotten our hands on it.
Atari and Epic Games announce that Unreal Tournament 2004 has gone gold and is expected to arrive in stores on March 15.
[UPDATE] Atari and Epic Games release the official UT2004 demo, available now on DLX.
[UPDATE] Epic's Tim Sweeney says network code changes will prevent backwards compatibility.
Epic and Atari push back their eagerly awaited PC shooter until next February.
We try out the latest version of Epic's next Unreal Tournament game.
North Carolina State first stop on the Unreal University modding tour.
We go hands-on with several Unreal Tournament 2004 game modes, including assault and onslaught.


text:
+ Text Only Site + Non-Flash Version + Contact Glenn
To move an airplane through the air, thrust is generated by some kind of propulsion system. Most modern airliners use turbofan engines because of their high thrust and good fuel efficiency. On this page, we will discuss some of the fundamentals of turbofan engines.
A turbofan engine is the most modern variation of the basic gas turbine engine. As with other gas turbines, there is a core engine, whose parts and operation are discussed on a separate page. In the turbofan engine, the core engine is surrounded by a fan in the front and an additional turbine at the rear. The fan and fan turbine are composed of many blades, like the core compressor and core turbine, and are connected to an additional shaft. All of this additional turbomachinery is colored green on the schematic. As with the core compressor and turbine, some of the fan blades turn with the shaft and some blades remain stationary. The fan shaft passes through the core shaft for mechanical reasons. This type of arrangement is called a two spool engine (one "spool" for the fan, one "spool" for the core.) Some advanced engines have additional spools for even higher efficiency.
How does a turbofan engine work? The incoming air is captured by the engine inlet. Some of the incoming air passes through the fan and continues on into the core compressor and then the burner, where it is mixed with fuel and combustion occurs. The hot exhaust passes through the core and fan turbines and then out the nozzle, as in a basic turbojet. The rest of the incoming air passes through the fan and bypasses, or goes around the engine, just like the air through a propeller. The air that goes through the fan has a velocity that is slightly increased from free stream. So a turbofan gets some of its thrust from the core and some of its thrust from the fan. The ratio of the air that goes around the engine to the air that goes through the core is called the bypass ratio.
Because the fuel flow rate for the core is changed only a small amount by the addition of the fan, a turbofan generates more thrust for nearly the same amount of fuel used by the core. This means that a turbofan is very fuel efficient. In fact, high bypass ratio turbofans are nearly as fuel efficient as turboprops. Because the fan is enclosed by the inlet and is composed of many blades, it can operate efficiently at higher speeds than a simple propeller. That is why turbofans are found on high speed transports and propellers are used on low speed transports. Low bypass ratio turbofans are still more fuel efficient than basic turbojets. Many modern fighter planes actually use low bypass ratio turbofans equipped with afterburners. They can then cruise efficiently but still have high thrust when dogfighting. Even though the fighter plane can fly much faster than the speed of sound, the air going into the engine must travel less than the speed of sound for high efficiency. Therefore, the airplane inlet slows the air down from supersonic speeds.
The mathematics describing the thrust of a turbofan engine is given on a separate slide.
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text:
Electric Range Samsung Stainless Steel
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Price to sell at 650.00
- 90 Day Warranty For Product!
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- In-Store Financing Available
- All Sales are Final
- No Cash Refunds
- Store Credit Only
- Used Acima Credit To Finance Your New Appliance Purchase!!! Text 71582 To #22462 To Get Pre-Approved!!
Thanks again for your purchase at Norristown Appliances. We sell New/Used/Scratch & Dent!!!


text:
Additional information
The course starts with a review of rotor aerodynamics theory; momentum as well as airfoil modelling are introduced, followed by a discussion of the airfoils commonly used in the wind industry. Based on this theory, the general approach to rotor aerodynamics design, as implemented in many modern codes, and the DNV GL specific approach that uses Bladed are then explained.
Extra attention is given to the aerodynamic design of challenging blade root and tip regions. The blade is much more than just aerodynamics; aero-elastic stability and the interaction between aerodynamic design, blade structure and system loads using conceptual, yet powerful, relations are also analysed.
Building on this, the process to design blades for lowest Cost of Energy is then discussed. Other advanced course topics included are an introduction into three-dimensional, unsteady potential flow solvers for rotors and a review of the aerodynamic features of selected commercial blades.
The course combines the in-depth discussions with ample opportunity for practise through Bladed demos and hands-on workshops on airfoil modelling and blade aerodynamic design. DNV GL has assumed that attendees will have a basic engineering degree.
Course outline:
Day 1
- Aero theory: introduction to rotor aerodynamics
- Aero theory: Blade element momentum model
- Workshop: BEM code
- Aero theory: aerodynamics of aerofoils
- Rotor aero design: airfoil selection, design and testing
- Workshop: XFOIL
- Aero theory: the optimum rotor
- Q & A session
Day 2
- Rotor aero design: blade optimization with a BEM code
- Workshop: rotor aerodynamic design
- Aero theory: potential flow methods and RANS models
- Rotor aero design: aeroelastic stability
- Workshop: aeroelastic stability
- Rotor aero design: advanced – tip and root design
- Rotor aero design: practical guidance
- Q & A session
Who should attend?
Industry professionals wishing to deepen their knowledge on blade design; individuals or companies involved in, or aspiring to venture into, turbine / blade design, such as: Turbine Designers / Design Engineers, Product and R&D Managers, Blade Manufacturing and Production Designers, and Blade Structural Designers; and any other professionals who wish to benefit from DNV GL's technical knowledge.


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Supreme Court won't block sales of 15% ethanol
Source: Matthew Daly, AP Business Writer • Posted: Tuesday, June 25, 2013
In a word: No. The reasons why are a bit more complex but have to do with the potential damage to older cars and motorcycles that E15 can do and the industry's opposition to making the switch nationwide to the cheaper and cleaner fuel.
Refiners, food producers, restaurants and some environmental groups have fought governments efforts to require increasing amounts of ethanol in gasoline blends the next few years.
The industry has argued that the the damage to motorcycles and aging cars along with the upward prices it will put on food impose an unnecessary economic burden on consumers.
"The ever-increasing ethanol mandate has become unsustainable, causing a looming crisis for gasoline consumers," says Bob Greco, a senior official with the American Petroleum Institute who met with the White House about the issue. "We're at the point where refiners are being pressured to put unsafe levels of ethanol in gasoline, which could damage vehicles, harm consumers and wreak havoc on our economy."
However, the Supreme Court on Monday rejected an effort by the API, the oil industry's chief lobby group, to block sales of E15. The justices left in place a federal appeals court ruling that dismissed challenges by the API and trade associations representing food producers, restaurants and others.
The court's decision confirms that the gas blend can be sold at gas stations nationwide, giving individual businesses and consumers the choice of whether to use it. Currently, most gas blends sold continue about 10% ethanol. The E15 blend is available is only sold in about 20 stations in Midwest states and is unlikely to spread from coast to coast anytime soon.
Tom Buis, CEO of ethanol industry group Growth Energy, hailed the court's decision as a victory for consumers.
"Now that the final word has been issued, I hope that oil companies will begin to work with biofuel producers to help bring new blends into the marketplace that allow for consumer choice and savings," Buis said.
That looks doubtful.
Putting E15 fuel into older cars and trucks "could leave millions of consumers with broken down cars and high repair bills," Greco said.
But ethanol proponents challenged the oil industry to produce documented cases of engine breakdowns caused by the E15.
"This is another example of oil companies unnecessarily scaring people, and it's just flat-out wrong," said Bob Dinneen, president of the Renewable Fuels Association, an ethanol industry group.
The API cites engine problems discovered during a study it commissioned last year, but the Energy Department called the research flawed and said it included engines with-known durability issues.
Still, the American Automobile Association, says the government should halt sales of E15 until additional testing allows ethanol producers and automakers to agree on which vehicles can safely use E15 while ensuring that consumers are adequately informed of risks.
And a spokeswoman for the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, which represents 12 major car makers, said E15 gas is more corrosive and the EPA approved it before it could be fully tested.
An official from the Environmental Protection Agency tried to find some middle ground at a congressional hearing in early June.
Christopher Grundler, in the EPA director's office of transportation and air quality, testified that the federal government does not require use of E15, but believes it is safe for cars built since 2001.
"The government is not saying 'go ahead' " and put E15 in all cars, Grundler said. "The government is saying this is legal fuel to sell if the market demands it and there are people who wish to sell it."
Charles Drevna, president of the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers — which represents refineries –, accuses the EPA of putting politics ahead of science.
The E15 dispute is the latest flash point in a longstanding battle over the Renewable Fuel Standard, approved by Congress in 2005 and amended in 2007. The law requires refiners to blend increasing amounts of ethanol into gasoline each year as a way to decrease reliance on fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming.
The EPA has proposed a 16.5 billion gallon production requirement for ethanol and other gasoline alternatives this year, up from 15.2 billion gallons last year. By 2022, the law calls for more than double that amount.
Biofuel advocates and supporters in Congress say the law has helped create more than 400,000 jobs, revitalized rural economies and helped lower foreign oil imports by more than 30% while reducing emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.
And Scott Zaremba, who owns a chain of gas stations in Kansas, scoffs at claims that E15 would damage older cars. "In the real world I've had zero problems" with engine breakdowns, said Zaremba, whose station in Lawrence, Kan., was the first in the nation to offer E15 last year.
But Zaremba said he had to stop selling the fuel this spring after his gasoline supplier, Phillips 66, told him he could no longer sell the E15 fuel from his regular black fuel hoses. The company said the aim was to distinguish E15 from other gasoline with less ethanol, but Zaremba said the real goal was to discourage use of E15. New pumps cost more than $100,000.
For now, E15 remains a regional anomaly, sold in fewer than two dozen gas stations in Illinois, Iowa, Kansas,


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No. 2 (Autumn)
Special Issue: Mobility, Time, and Space in Pentecostalism (ed. André Droogers, Kim Knibbe, Regien Smit)
Click on the links below to see abstracts and full text PDFs on the Equinox website.
= free content
= subscribers' access only
For subscription options, see http://www.equinoxpub.com/journals/index.php/PENT/about/subscriptions
Guest Editorial
Mobility, Time and Space in Pentecostalism | |
Andre Droogers, Kim Knibbe, Regien Smit |
Reverse Mission: A Discourse In Search Of Reality? | |
Paul Freston |
Geographies of Conversion: Focusing on the Spatial Practices of Nigerian Pentecostalism | |
Kim Knibbe |
Up and Out: Movement and Mobility among Pentecostals in Eurasia | |
Catharine Wanner |
The Past in Angolan Migrants' Conversion Narratives: Silence | |
Regien Smit |
Conversion Careers and Culture Politics in Pentecostalism: Time, Space and Mobility in Four Continents | |
Henri Gooren |
Bergunder, Michael, The South Indian Pentecostal Movement in the Twentieth Century, Grand Rapics, Michegan/Cambridge, U.K.: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2008 | |
Peter B. Anderson |
Helgesson, Kristina, 'Walking in the Spirit' - the Complexity of Belonging in Two Pentecostal Churches in Durban, South Africa, Uppsala: DICA, 2006 | |
Gerald Pillay |
Warrington, Keith, Pentecostal Theology: A Theology of Encounter | |
Graham Smith |
Wiegele, Katharine L., Investing in Miracles: El Shaddai and the Transformation of Popular Catholicism in the Philippines | |
Julia Thiesbonenkamp |
Marshall, Ruth, Political Spiritualities: The Pentecostal Revolution in Nigeria. | |
Asonzeh Ukah |
last modified
2013-01-15 10:29


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Today we'll be setting aside the circuits and solder for a little while in favor of good old fashioned wood and bungee chords to make this backyard catapult. Items needed include nine sections of 2×3 wooden beams of varying lengths, some screws and eye hooks, a bungee chord, a broom handle, and a few other things which are all detailed in the read link below.
Here's a quick summary version of the four pages of instructions: First the 2x3s must be cut to their proper lengths. The two 24-inch beams must then be drilled to create pivot holes. Notches should then be cut into them with a saw. The same should be done to two 14-inch beams, which will allow them to be fitted to the 24-inch beams at a right angle. With the two 7 1/2-inch beams, the six beams make up the base of the catapult and two support arms extending upward. Two more beams, a crossbar and angled beam, are added to complete the support system, leaving it prepped to add the swing arm.
The swing arm is a 28-inch beam with the broom handle running through a hole in the bottom and a cardboard cup at the top. The broom handle will also run through the pivot holes in the base. The bungee chord should be stretched from an eye hook on the swing arm and one on the base. The strength of the catapult can be adjusted by using a stronger bungee or adjusting the height of the crossbar. For slightly more complex mechanics, bearings can be added to the pivot points to ensure smooth and efficient energy transfer.
[via DIY Life]


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If you're looking to be a little adventurous… to take a small walk on the wild side… to watch two tasty worlds collide… look no further!
The other night we made my friend Steph's Buffalo Chicken Pizza for the first time. We have had it a second time since then BECAUSE IT WAS THAT GOOD. Now, she actually grills her pizza. On a grill. Outside. I fully intend to give that method a whirl just as soon as we defrost the barbecue thanks to this POLAR VORTEX nonsense. You can check it out here.
As you might imagine, this pizza packs a little bit of a spicy punch. You can control the heat by choosing a mild or hotter wing sauce. We used mild and it was still fairly hot for me – but I am a total wuss when it comes to heat!
You will need:
Pizza dough (pre-made from the store or you can use my pizza dough recipe to make your own)
1/2 cup wing sauce (choose your heat level! You can also use hot sauce if you prefer.)
1 cup marinara sauce
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles
1 cup shredded cooked chicken
How to make:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Roll out your pizza dough to about 1/8″ thick.
3. Toss chicken in wing sauce.
4. Spread sauce over the pizza dough.
5. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the sauce.
6. Top with chicken and sprinkle with blue cheese.
7. Bake until the cheese is melted and the bottom of the dough is set. (Ours baked for about 20-25 minutes.)


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Two-day co-production market to take place in London on Oct 17-18, during the annual Cross-Media Forum held in assocation with the 56th BFI London Film Festival.
Power to the Pixel (PttP) have announced the 30 cross-media projects that have been selected to take part in this year's The Pixel Market.
Of the 30 teams selected, eight have been chosen to compete for the ARTE Pixel Pitch Prize which comes with £6,000 award, sponsored by the French/German broadcaster. The competing projects will be presented at The Pixel Pitch and will be judged by a panel of international commissioning executives, decision-makers and financiers.
The eight projects in contention include award-winning production company Spring Films' The Super 8 Complex, a user-generated interactive archive celebrating 8mm film, immersive dystopia METAWARS by one of last year's Pixel Pitch finalists Jeff Norton and Austrian-Iranian filmmaker Arash Riahi's Everyday Rebellion, developed through PttP's European cross-media workshop The Pixel Lab in 2010.
Liz Rosenthal [pictured], CEO & founder of PTTP, commented: "Making the selection of 30 projects for this year's market was a hard task for all the right reasons. Creators are increasingly working on the development of their story ideas and content, and as a result this year's Pixel Market and the whole arena is growing fast."
Alongside the Pitch, all 30 producer-led teams at the Market will have a chance of winning one of three new prizes, all backed by international sponsors: the beActive Pixel Market Comedy Prize, the Mozilla Pixel Market Prize for Non-Fiction and the Cinekid Pixel Market Prize, for projects aimed at children aged between 4 and 14. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in London on Oct 18.
Rosenthal added: "We have selected 30 projects from nearly 100 entrants, well up from 25 last year which is hugely exciting for potential international partners and investors. As a result, this year's Pixel Market is bigger and bolder, with new prizes introduced to help support projects and their creators. We're delighted to be expanding the opportunities that The Cross-Media Forum brings to the BFI London Film Festival and to the UK creative sector as a whole."
The Pixel Market, which will put the 30 projects in front of more than 100 leading international financiers, commissioners and decision-makers, takes place during PttP's annual Cross-Media Forum held in association with the 56th BFI London Film Festival. It is supported by the MEDIA Programme of the European Union. Additional support from the BFI, Arts Council England, Creative Skillset's Film Skills Fund, Canada Media Fund, ARTE, Creative Industries KTN, Telefilm Canada, beActive, Cinekid, Mozilla and Tribeca Film Institute.
Full list of The Pixel Market 2012 participants
In Competition:
- Stephan Bonnefoy & Christophe Findji, 2 Minutes & Jus de Prod, Ori&Gami! (France)
- Edward Dallal, Spring Films, The Super 8 Complex (UK)
- Steven Grisales & Jose Luis Rugeles, Rhayuela Cine, Buenaventura Mon Amour (Colombia)
- Natalia Imaz & Luisa Romeo, Parabellum Film & Frida Films, The Incredibles (Spain/Germany)
- Jeff Norton, Awesome Media & Entertainment, METAWARS (Canada/UK)
- Uffe Savery & Mads Damsbo, Copenhagen Phil in cooperation with MAKROPOL, World Online Orchestra Project (Denmark)
- Arash & Arman T. Riahi, Golden Girls Filmproduktion & Filmservices, Everyday Rebellion (Austria)
- Mahyad Tousi, BoomGen Studios, Birthright (USA)
General Selection:
- Sarah Arruda, Mary Dickie, Mike Robbins & Alex Wittholz, Helios Design Labs, Queen West - Art.Noise.Mayhem (Canada)
- Jakob Balslev & Petter Madegård, Nordisk Film Production, Cinema dell'Arte #3 – Thunders of Thor (Denmark)
- Enrica Capra, GraffitiDoc, Europe for Sale (Italy)
- Matthieu de Laborde & Samuel Aubin, ISKRA and RHIZOME, It is That Way (France)
- Nicolas Deprost & Julien Krizek, WHAC Média, Ukiyo-e, Stories of the floating world (France)
- Bruno de Sa Moreira & Edouard Lussan, Normandy Productions, William the Conqueror (France)
- Bruno Felix, Submarine Channel, The Last Hijack (Netherlands)
- Marcos Ferreira, MobContent, Music.Art.Place (Brazil)
- Fabrizia Galvagno, Doc in Progress, DOCUSOUND (Italy)
- Ellin Hare & Magnus Dennison, Amber Film & Photography Collective and Meerkat Films, Between the Mud and the Farthest Star (UK)
- Annika Hellström & Petra Revenue, Anagram Produktion and Cinenic Film, Blasting Bängtssons (Sweden)
- Gabriela Isas, Chocolate Albino, VICTOR (USA/UK)
- Esben Kjær Ravn, Kong Orange, Let's Dance - A Casual Game About Death (Denmark)
- Kristoff Leue, SANCTA, ZOOks (Belgium)
- Zack Lieberman, Exit Strategy New Media & Max & Charlie Productions, Max & Charlie (USA)
- Michael Luda, Thomas Langhanki & Sven Sund, Saxonia Media and Experimental Game, The Slumbers - Wish Tales (Germany)
- Zach Niles, SodaSoap Creative, Lakou Mizik (USA)
- Lucas Ochoa & Hugh Garry, Pulse Films, In Your Voice In Your Heart (USA/UK)
- Lise Saxtrup, Dajana Dimovska & Trine Laier, Klassefilm & KnapNokGames, Cosmic Top Secret – Black Holes Expansion (Denmark)
- Kent Sobey & Catherine Tait, Farmhouse Productions/ Duopoly Canada/ Baby Cow Productions, SOS: Save Our Skins (Canada/UK)
- Alex Steyermark & Lavinia Jones, 1m1 Trax, The 78 Project (USA/Canada)
- Juliet Tzabar & Dominic Minns, This is Pip/Plug-in Media, Ha Ha Bonk (UK)


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Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more.
You may file where the incident occurred or where the Defendant lives.
Show All Answers
Affidavit and Claim - Small Claims.
When filing by mail the Affidavit and Claim will need to be notarized. If filing in person, a clerk can witness your signature.
Up to $600.00 = $30$600.01 - $1750.00 = $50$1750.01 - $6,500 = $70
No. Small Claims can be served by Certified Mail through the Court. This carries a $13 fee, separate from your filing fee. Another option is Personal Service. Fees for Personal Service will vary depending on your Process Server.
No, all Small Claims are heard in the Court.
Seizure of Property, Garnishment, Discovery Subpoena are some of the ways to collect on a Small Claims Judgment.
The Defendant should pay the Plaintiff directly if a Judgment is awarded. If the Defendant does not, it is the Plaintiff's responsibility to collect if they should choose to.
You must wait 21 days after the Judgment was entered.


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We use the manufacturer's recommendation when it comes to flushing or changing out your transmission fluid.
Automatic: Service intervals for an automatic transmission vary from every 30,000 miles … to never. The typical service interval is 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Changing it more often does no harm.
Manual: Most manufacturers recommend that manual transmission fluid be changed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Under heavy-duty use, some manufacturers suggest changing transmission fluid every 15,000 miles.
What is Transmission Fluid?
Transmission fluid is a slippery liquid that acts as a lubricant for all of the moving parts inside your transmission. In an automatic transmission, this fluid also serves as a coolant and a viscous fluid that transmits power from the engine to the transmission.
Should I do this service when it's recommended?
Yes, regardless of whether you have a Automatic or Manual Transmission.
Manual: In a manual transmission, the problem is not so much the fluid degradation, but rather fluid contamination. This contamination occurs over time as the synchronizers, bearings and gears in the transmission wear out. The resulting metal particles then float around in the lubricant. And we all know that oil with microscopic particles of metal in it does not lubricate as well as clean oil. So if these contaminants are not drained out, they will shorten the life of your transmission.
Automatic: Because more heat is generated in an automatic transmission, automatic transmission fluid actually degrades and breaks down with use.
In addition, like in a manual transmission, automatic transmission fluid will also become contaminated with worn bits of the transmission. If these contaminants are not drained out, they will shorten the life of your transmission.
What happens if I don't do this?
If you don't change the transmission fluid on schedule, you'll be lubricating your transmission with metal shavings and other contaminants. This will shorten the transmission's life. The result could be a hefty boat payment to your mechanic. In other words, changing your transmission fluid at the correct interval is a good investment.
Is there any maintenance required between intervals?
We check your transmission for you as part of our service every time you come in for an oil change or trip check.


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El Paso lawmakers, protesters say Trump's not welcome while city grieves
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nexstar) — President Trump traveled to Texas Wednesday where 22 people were shot and killed at an El Paso Walmart.
He says the country stands with the border city during this tragic time but Texas Democratic lawmakers say the President isn't welcome in El Paso — citing his words of division.
The President and First Lady did not receive a warm welcome. Protestors were ready to greet the President with one message: go home.
El Paso Democratic Congresswoman Veronica Escobar says the President owes El Paso an apology.
"He put a target on our backs," said Escobar. "As far as I'm concerned, he should not be here until he does that [apologizes]."
Texas Republicans John Cornyn and Ted Cruz say Congress needs to tackle gun safety when they return to Washington next month.
But they didn't specify what type of legislation they might support.
Cornyn says "gun control" is not the solution.
Instead, he says congress should focus on red flag laws, saying:"This is something I think we need to discuss and say is there a way to identify some of these shooters early before they commit their act of violence."
The President said Wednesday that he is open to talking about some aspects of gun control legislation but right now he says the focus is the people in El Paso who are still recovering.


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If you are looking for your lost pet, visit our website at least once every day. To report a lost/found pet please call 209-966-3615. After speaking to an Animal Control Officer you can email Animal Control with photos of your lost/found. Please do not email photographs until you have spoken to an Animal Control Officer.
When an animal is impounded, it is checked for any form of visible identification, and scanned for a microchip. We make every attempt to trace the ID and notify the owner. Even if you have identification on your pet or a microchip implanted, do not depend on receiving a phone call. Collars and tags fall off and sometimes microchips are unreadable or untraceable.
Animal Control at the Mariposa Sheriff's Department is available 24 hours depending on the need. The normal working hours for the Animal Control Officers are seven days a week, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Animals may be claimed Monday through Friday between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday by appointment. Licensing and rabies vaccination information will be requested at the time a dog is reclaimed.
Please call prior to coming to the Animal Control Office to make sure someone is available to assist you.


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Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows | |
OS family | Windows |
Kernel Type | PopCorn |
Latest release | Windows 9/11 |
lead developing Noob | Microsoft |
Company/developer | Microsoft Dumbaration |
Source model | Stinky Dinosaurs |
Available language | American English, British English, Canadian English, French English, German English, Ukrainian English, Gibberish, Cockney, LOLSpeak, Mumble, Nonsense l33t |
Architectures Supported | Officially confirmed to work correctly on i386, X86-64, ARM, IA64 (Server Only) – it crashes on all of them. Undesired productivity boost when run under VirtualBox on Ubuntu. |
"People liked NASCAR because the constant crashes made it exciting, and this gave me an idea ..."
Microsoft Windows, also known as "MacOSn't", or simply "Windows", is the collective name for a series of failures that began in 1983 as a means of reversing the stagnation of the computer hardware market. Copying features from other competing platforms, Windows began as an add-on piece of bloated code latched to the Microsoft Dick Operating System (or "MS-DOS"), but a series turnings of event eventually allowed Windows saw the opportunity to dominate the desktop computer platform and become one of the most popular broken software products of all times.
In the year 1981, Microsoft and IBM took the first steps of a relationship that would eventually dominate the personal computer industry. The marriage of Microsoft's virtually bulletproof MS-DOS with IBM's premium hardware was an instant success, and soon gave birth to a host of clone manufacturers who later became industry giants in their own right: Zenith, Heathkit, and Tandy, to name a few. Unfortunately, the explosive growth had the side effect of completely saturating the slowly emerging market. While plenty of satisfied customers were happily number crunching with VisiCalc, many manufacturers including IBM itself were left with mountains of unsold inventory. It was until Rowland Hanson, the head of marketing at Microsoft, who inadvertently hit upon the answer when he pondered aloud at an executive meeting:
" | It's too bad we couldn't make people so irritated that they'd throw their computers out the window. It'd be their own fault, and they'd have to buy a new unit complete with software once they came back to their senses. | " |
This view was vocally supported by then-business manager Steve Ballmer, who observed:
" | Just because we can build a computer that can run for a hundred years doesn't mean we should. I mean, look! It almost killed the light bulb industry! | " |
Without so much as another word spoken, it was understood by the whole room that Microsoft would begin the process of systematically removing all the improvements it had made to QDOS, the "Quick and Dirty Operating system" it had purchased from Seattle Computer Products in 1980, and proceeded to initiate the development of a new software product without the involvement of IBM. The then-CEO William Henry Gate III argued:
" | And the name? Well, why not "Windows"? Let's capitalize on peoples' urges to throw their computers out the window, shall we? | " |
Early on, there were a number of critics who suggested that the name "Windows" was a reference to the product's fragility. Technology writer Dick Hertz observed:
" | I mean, it's obvious, isn't it? Like a window, it seems perfectly clear and simple to use, but it crashes with the slightest pressure, or sometimes breaks inexplicably. | " |
This speculation was largely curbed when Mr. Hertz was found stabbed, burned, electrocuted, strangled, shot, and floating in the East River. Gates refused to comment directly to the press about the incident, but through his press secretary he stated that the death appeared "accidental".
Culture shock
Tearing a page directly out of the Steve Jobs' Book of Corporate Culture Creation – or perhaps it was the Jim Jones' one, no matter – Bill Gates printed up a scores of T-shirts emblazoned with the slogan "style, not substance" and set his minions to work. Their mission, if they chose to accept it, was to dial up the eye-candy while systematically rebugging the software infrastructure. It was a punishing endeavour: writing bad software is easy, but writing software that runs like a gazelle but occasionally trips and falls and loses its memory, or collides in spectacular fashion with some unseen predator who devours it whole, lashes to limbs proved to be extremely difficult. Early efforts on test subjects also yielded poor results, with participants eager to throw their computer out of the nearest non-ground-floor opening but reluctant to visit ComputerLand for a replacement.
The test code was subjected to ongoing in-house peer reviews – "VFI", or "Vote For Inclusion" – with programmers choosing the bugs they liked best. Unexpectedly, it was not always the most clever or best crafted coding that drew the most votes. Often, innocuous bits of writing that struck blindside by delivering an unforeseen playload walked hand-in-hand with obviously chaotic monsters of destructive programming, and with stupidly crafted pieces of clumsy kludge following in tow. As it turned out, this carefully selected blend of predictable error and random terror developed into something akin to the corporate secret sauce. By allowing test subjects to have an occasionally pleasant experience (provided they took certain steps to avoid known pitfalls), they developed an increasing tolerance to the built-in mix of random hardware and software fault messages, and at times even blamed their own stupidity for the crash. Before the Environmental Protection Agency was able to substantiate their half-baked conspiracy theory about some causal link between Microsoft and the sharp increase in the volume of silicon waste accumulating in municipal landfills, people began to quit throwing their computers away and instead looked to Microsoft for answers. The name Windows was retained for marketing reasons, but also to remind programmers of the development imperative: make it look clear and easy to use, but easily breakable.
IBM, on the other hand, began their downward spiral into OS/2 and was eventual taken over by the Chinese. Bill has screwed people over before, as whatshisname from Seattle Computer Products insists; although he is currently under a legally-binding non-disclosure agreement to not divulge any further related details.
Marketing Windows may seem pointless, since it is not what one pays for and has the right to receive. Even then, it is simply nuances.
- Fetish marketing. People who used to go into San Francisco bathhouses, put a ball gag in their mouths, cover their heads in a hood, bend over a table, put a can of Crisco on their butt, handcuff their hands behind their back, and wait to feel who came in, were left high and dry for a while in the 1980s, until they found something better — surfing with Microsoft Internet Explorer! After dozens of years of development, Microsoft has managed to make a browser that in full security mode with all the latest updates to everything simply cannot find a cleavage picture of Rose McGowan on a Web search without installing two keyloggers in the process, and they are only the ones the unscrupulous "anti spyware" program developers have not been paid to not report. While this method of discouraging visits to any "subversive" or "non-standard" site is less efficient for the national economy than the Great Firewall of China, it nevertheless generates dozens of times more revenue for Microsoft.
- License competitions. The International Olympic Committe is currently entertaining competitions for how many licenses for Windows a single person can accumulate for personal use. Every time the hard drive on a Windows machine gets irretrievably obliterated (per an average of approximately six months) the respective user gets tempted to spend another $500 or more on another computer with another Windows license. However, some people often outperform others as they are somewhat more careless than the latter. Plus, some actually pay to upgrade their software version, as though they would not be stuck doing it anyway the next time the computer crashed.
Longevity studies demonstrated that the error-tolerance and self-blaming observed in the laboratory was short-term, and the development team were forced to reevaluate their strategies. After closely examining the implementation illustration created by the marketing department, their error was immediately apparent: software designers had created the rider and the stick, but had failed to produce the carrot for the donkey to follow.
The developers addressed the problem by by providing new software and a new service support plan:
Support type | Translation |
"Bug Fixes" | Coͬde ́that w͢a͎s̬ ̝prͅe̠viou͢sl̬y v͖otͬed̄ f̉or ̴anͮd̋ ̅ap͙prov̾e͋d͈ ̪by͈ th͗e 'VͬFͅI ̎pǎnel̢ ̞ḫa̩s ͇beͫe̷n͚ s̫ubs̡ęq̿ueͪn͂tly̏ re̎mov̘e͛d̛ ͜by tḥe ͩVo͐te for̀ Rem͠oval ͞(VF̈́R) ͓p̺a̴ne͈l.͞ |
"Telephone support" | Soak the customers for $3.99 per minute while reading chapters on "Reboot" or "Reinstall" verbatim from the book How to use Windows: New User Experience™. If that fails, direct them to "Bug Fixes" (q.v.) and hype the upcoming "New Version" (q.v.). |
"New Versions" | Creeping featurism has led to an otherwise not-dissimilar version of Windows that may seem both aesthetically and functionally superior to its predecessor but is in fact an introduction of a new set of VFI'd bugs along with some cherished favourites. |
"Killer Apps" | Notepad, Minesweeper, Calculator, 3D Text screensaver, Ms Paint, and the ubiquitous solitaire. |
Believing the HP to be nothing more than a glorified Bulletin Board system (BBS) of use only to a handful of nerds, Gates and company were late-comers to the browser wars. Their lateness not only cost them the opportunity for software patents but also threatened them to return the product back to the dark days of stability. Worldwide communication meant virus and trojan alerts through newsgroups, file trading in illicit software (like patches and fixes), and worst of all, troubleshooting by expert users during their free time free of charge. In short, with the Internet it had never been easier to ensure that a copy of Windows was running in tip-top shape. Early versions of Internet Explorer proved unusable, but by installing it by default with every copy of Windows, it offered the hope of re-establishing imbalance towards the Windows line. The "Windows Update" website was eventually created to provide the illusion of fast access to the latest patches and updates, while actually continuing to pipeline the latest results from the VFI/VFR chess tournament.
Microsoft's masterstroke, yet, was its eventual integration of Internet Explorer as the operating system's file browser, and the wide scale use of "DirectX" technology. This not only provided users with direct access to the Internet from any window but also provided viruses and other malware with direct access to the user's computer. Combined with its own in-house "anti-virus" software, a truly attractive but sub-standard software package which developers used their extra time to carefully construct, Microsoft is guaranteed to foster the cycle of dependence for many years to come.
Outline of typical use
- Purchase a PC (or purchase a MacBook and then install Windows);
- Use it as normal;
- Develops faults or catches viruses;
- Reinstall Windows (or restore with Ghost);
- Use it as normal;
- Develops faults or catches viruses;
- Reinstall Windows (or restore with Ghost);
- Use it as normal;
- Develops faults or catches viruses;
- Reinstall Windows (or restore with Ghost);
- Use it as normal;
- Develops faults or catches viruses;
- Reinstall Windows (or restore with Ghost);
- Use it as normal;
... and so on.
Finally, exclaim in vain: "Microshit!"
With growth of the internet and p2p, software piracy became rife with versions of windows such as Windows XD: Pirate Edition that were stripped of its "New Versions" and VFI'd bugs. This had severe consequences for the company, who no longer had control over what bugs a user was entitled to keep and/or remove. Microsoft responded by releasing its activation system, along with propriety adware in the guise of "must-have" software such as Windows Movie Maker and Windows Live Messenger, among others.
Automatic software updates were also turned on automatically, so all the latest bugs were always available to the end user. This was in addition to a new killer-app for Windows Fiesta and beyond; the restart computer reminder. A user could no longer keep a Windows computer on for more than four hours without being reminded that their machine needs to be restarted. This is a testament to the amount of bugs created every minute by Microsoft Employees which need constant editing; however, a user can enjoy exactly the same behaviour from their computer by installing Windows 666 without activating it. Microsoft are working on this problem.
Windows was met with positively horrible reception when it came out. Critics cited that nobody was able to hang on to their sanity, and thus were tossed into a loony bin upon catching a few glimpses of its incredible suckiness. Its security features were non-existent, and the reception was far from what could be considered praised by critics and users alike. Windows has influenced software developers to create annoying security features that take up so much space and don't work, which is why there are so many insecure operating systems today. Bill Gates is a fucking moron with an almighty ego!
The developers at Microsoft were crazy to think Internet Explorer would also be praised for being totally incompatible with most websites, as well as completely vulnerable to spyware, adware, and viruses. That, and it was slow as fuck, even if you had a connection that was fast with other browsers like Safari, Opera and Firefox, which is not a steaming pile of dog feces. Also, IE's pop-up blocker works at stopping pop-ups only when you completely meant to open it.
Partnership with Fisher Price
Before Vista was released, when Bill Gates was still at Microsoft, Steve Ballmer had a brilliant idea. He told Gates: "Hey dude, look at this shit," pointing at a Fisher Price laptop. After an evil smile by Bill Gates, which sounded pretty much like "hyeyeyeyeyey ... *cough cough* ... hyeyeyeye", Microsoft established a partnership with Fisher Price.
From then, Fisher Price licensed their "Unique User Interface for Children with Mental Problems", the UUCMP, to Microsoft. And that's where the famous Aero interface came from. The similarities got even bigger when Fisher Price released "Kid OS X Snow Rabbit", which was adopted in Windows 7.
The past
In werepretendingtodevelopit versions the different levels were called null, fail, craptastic, windows wtf edition and almost works. However the marketing team decided this wasn't very user friendly so these were changed to the more comprehensible and accurate names student, home, professional, business, ultimate, and a new secret edition could be unlocked by typing "windows_is_so_awesome.exe -like bill.gates into a terminal window which could be unlocked by typing "windows_is_so_awesome.exe -like bill.gates into a terminal window which could be unlocked by typing "windows_is_so_awesome.exe -like bill.gates into a terminal window which could be unlocked by [[X] LOOP ERROR – ATTEMPT RECOVERY] This included some suggestions for improvements to be made by the user. unfortunately some bright spark noticed that releasing the source code would result in it being turned into something that worked by evil penguins. The bonus version can now be activated only by sending your bank account details to M****$** who will deal with them under the company privacy policy.
See also
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft on-line help
- Clan Microsoft
- Windows Xorg
- Bill Gates
- Window company
- Open Windows
External links
• Detect "non-genuine" products
• Gather user information and credit card numbers
• Cripple core system components
• Deploy legal team
• Launch civil litigation
Estimated time:
Forever, or if you give me a cookie, I might shorten it to an hour.
Related technology:
Blue Screen of Death
Internet Explorer
UnNews: Microsoft unveils Internet Genuine Advantage
Microsoft Products Online Technical Support
Microsoft Access
Microsoft Keyboard
Microsoft Office
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Surface
MS Paint
MS Word
Microsoft Word Paperclip
Windows Live Messenger
Registry Editor
Total Fucking Asshole Server 2006
Microsoft Windows Help Centre
Microsoft Immortal Life Support System
Task Manager
Windows X-Console
Windows Product line:
Windows BC
Windows 1.0
Windows 3.1
Windows 95
Windows 98
Windows You
Windows 2000
Windows Server 2003
Windows Vista
Windows Vista Pirated Edition
Windows Vista Minion Edition
Windows Vesta
Windows 7
X Window System
Windows 2010
Windows for Politicians
Windows Error Edition
Windows 8
Windows 8.1
Windows 9
Windows 10
Windows 11
Windows 12
Windows TNT


text:
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With this large portion of the population facing divorce or separation having a reliable and experienced attorney is extremely beneficial. Many individuals facing family law issues are worried about the cost of representation, which is why a large percentage fail to seek the legal advice they need. In an effort to try and provide more couples the legal services they need, Nussbaum Law has launched a campaign offering free consultations to potential clients.
"We understand that no one really plans to get divorced, or fight over custody of their child," stated family law attorney Barry Nussbaum. "We understand how emotional and stressful a divorce can be. We are here to help our clients and ensure they receive the legal advice and representation they need to fully understand the situation and achieve the best possible outcome."
At potential clients can learn more about the legal services offered. Family law is a broad field and it requires the experience and know-how of someone who has been in the field for several years.
"Our free consultation services ensure you understand your situation and how we can help," continued Nussbaum. "We are dedicated to transparency. During the consultation, we will let you know what your options are and what the cost of our services will be."
Clients needing family law services in Canada can visit to receive a free consultation for their divorce, child custody or child support issues.
Nussbaum Law is a family law practice located in Toronto. The legal staff understands that divorce and separation can be an emotional time and they are committed to offering a personal approach to each client served. The team of divorce attorneys understands that each client has a unique situation and will take the time to listen to the issues to develop a plan of action that helps clients achieve the most desirable outcome. The attorneys will advocate on behalf of their clients to ensure they get the legal representation they want and deserve.
Cited reference: http://markets.financialcontent.com/mi.mercedsun-star/news/read/34373921


text:
McMillan was sexually assaulted, beaten unconscious and into seizures by NY Police, but the city is charging her with felony assault over the incident.
Occupy participant Cecily McMillan is being prosecuted for felony police assault and may face up to 7 years in prison. In reality, it is the NYPD that should be on trial for their assault on McMillan. The trial has already been delayed because of the credibility of the arresting officer, however, New York City should review the case and drop all charges against McMillan.
On the six month anniversary of Occupy Wall Street Cecily McMillan arrived at midnight to Zuccotti Park to meet some friends and go out to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Instead, she would find herself unconscious, in seizures and badly bruised.
McMillan was not in Zuccotti to protest, but she arrived as the police began to violently break up the crowd. She felt someone grab her right breast she involuntarily swung her elbow around and hit the offender in the face. It turned out to be police officer, Grantley Bovell. She was violently arrested, knocked to the ground, unconscious and began suffering seizures while she was handcuffed. It would be 15 to 20 minutes before an ambulance arrived. Photos of McMillan show bruises from fingers that grabbed her breast, a swollen eye and other bruises.
Officer Bovell has some serious problems in his history as a police officer including alleged police abuse. As PolicyMic reports:
"Officer Bovell has been accused of brutality before. He was named in a lawsuit in the Bronx Supreme Court, filed by Reginald Wakefield, a young black man who was 17 at the time, that alleges the police maliciously used an unmarked police car as a weapon to knock him off his dirt bike in the course of a pursuit. In court filings, Wakefield said his nose was broken, two teeth were knocked out and his forehead lacerated following the encounter with Bovell and other officers on March 21, 2010. The suit is still active, according to court records."
And, now it has come out that he has some serious credibility problems, as a result if he testifies his credibility will be put in doubt. The District Attorney has provided McMillan's defense attorney, Martin Stolar, documents that show Bovell was part of 500 officers tied to the infamous 2011 Bronx ticket-fixing scandal. Stolar told PolicyMic: "He was involved and internally disciplined."
If this case goes to trial the NYPD should be put on trial by the defense and the full embarrassment of its response to Occupy Wall Street exposed. The NYU School of Law and Fordham Law School, issued a detailed report that found that the NYPD consistently wielded excessive, aggressive force with batons, pepper spray, scooters and horses. In addition there were mass arrests that were often arbitrary, gratuitous and illegal, with most charges later dismissed. NYPD has been sued by occupy protesters resulting in settlements of $50,000, $82,000 with more still pending. NYPD abuse of protesters is a long-term problem as the 2004 protests against the RNC shows. In that case the largest settlement for police abuse in history was announced last month — $18 million. Videos show how the NYPD randomly picked people out of crowds during the occupy protests even if they were doing nothing illegal or were even involved in the protest.
And, it seems that there was a consistent practice of New York police officers grabbing women's breasts. As anthropologist David Graeber wrote:
"Arbitrary violence is nothing new. The apparently systematic use of sexual assault against women protestors is new. I'm not aware of any reports of police intentionally grabbing women's breasts before March 17, but on March 17 there were numerous reported cases, and in later nightly evictions from Union Square, the practice became so systematic that at least one woman told me her breasts were grabbed by five different police officers on a single night (in one case, while another one was blowing kisses.) The tactic appeared so abruptly, is so obviously a violation of any sort of police protocol or standard of legality, that it is hard to imagine it is anything but an intentional policy."
But, put all of that history of NYPD violence against citizens and sexual assaults against women aside and just look at the McMillan case. Martin Stolar points out in a video that in order for there to be a crime there must be criminal intent. McMillan did not intend to assault a police officer. Her breast was grabbed from behind by an undercover officer, she reacted involuntarily by swinging around and hitting him with her elbow. An involuntarily reaction is not intent to assault someone. If there was any intent to assault someone it came from Officer Bovell, not from Cecily McMillan.
The New York District Attorney would be wise to drop all charges against McMillan before the trial begins on March 3. With the disclosures about Bovell's past alleged police abuse and involvement in the ticket fixing scandal, their key witness is no longer credible. The history of police violence and sexual assault against woman adds to the credibility of the allegations of McMillan against Bovell and they are supported by photographs and videos. And, finally, the facts in this case do not support a criminal prosecution as there was no criminal intent.
It is time for the criminal charges against Cecily McMillan to be dropped. The NYPD has done enough damage, the District Attorney should not be adding to these injustices.
Updated: In the second paragraph "St. Patrick's Day" was added substituting for "her birthday." In the third paragraph the word "undercover" was removed in describing Officer Bovell.
~ Kevin Zeese serves as Attorney General in the Justice Branch of the Green Shadow Cabinet
For more on this case see:
Justice for Cecily, the support group working for justice in the Cecily McMillan case.
Bizarre Prosecution Of Cecily McMillan For Police Assault Delayed, Popular Resistance by Kevin Zeese, February, 14, 2014.
This Occupy Activist Could Go to Prison for Standing Up to the Cop Who Grabbed Her Breast, PolicyMic by Peter Rugh, February 13, 2014.
Cecily McMillan's Occupy trial is a huge test of U.S. civil liberties. Will they survive?, The Guardian by Chase Madar, February 13, 2014.
Occupy Protester Who Suffered Seizure During Arrest Stands Accused Of Felony, The Gothamist by Christopher Robbins, February 10, 2014.
Activist Allegedly Beaten Into Unconsciousness By Police Faces 7 Years In Prison For Elbowing Cop, Think Progress by Aviva Shen, February 10, 2014.


text:
Being the only child of rock 'n' roll's king has kept Lisa Marie Presley under a long shadow, but she's found ways to make her music stand out that don't involve her lineage or occasionally stormy personal life.
Born in Memphis in 1968, Presley was left fatherless after Elvis' death when she was just 9. The younger Presley didn't release her debut album, To Whom It May Concern, until 2003; it and its 2005 follow-up, Now What, were both favorably reviewed chart hits. After a long hiatus, Presley released a darker record called Storm & Grace in May.
Here, Presley performs live and discusses the enormous expectations she faces as Elvis' only child, as well as her collaborations with T-Bone Burnett and Richard Hawley.
Copyright 2020 XPN. To see more, visit XPN.


text:
New antimatter method to provide 'a major experimental advantage'
(Phys.org)—Researchers have proposed a method for cooling trapped antihydrogen which they believe could provide 'a major experimental advantage' and help to map the mysterious properties of antimatter that have to date remained elusive.
The new method, developed by a group of researchers from the USA and Canada, could potentially cool trapped antihydrogen atoms to temperatures 25 times colder than already achieved, making them much more stable and a lot easier to experiment on.
The suggested method, which has been published today in IOP Publishing's Journal of Physics B: Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics, involves a laser which is directed at antihydrogen atoms to give them a 'kick', causing them to lose energy and cool down.
Antihydrogen atoms are formed in an ultra-high vacuum trap by injecting antiprotons into positron plasma. An atomic process causes the antiproton to capture a positron which gives an electronically excited antihydrogen atom.
Typically, the antihydrogen atoms have a lot of energy compared to the trapping depth which can distort the measurements of their properties. As it is only possible to trap very few antihydrogen atoms, the main method for reducing the high energies is to laser cool the atoms to extremely low temperatures.
Co-author of the study, Professor Francis Robicheaux of Auburn University in the USA, said: "By reducing the antihydrogen energy, it should be possible to perform more precise measurements of all of its parameters. Our proposed method could reduce the average energy of trapped antihydrogen by a factor of more than 10.
The ultimate goal of antihydrogen experiments is to compare its properties to those of hydrogen. Colder antihydrogen will be an important step for achieving this."
This process, known as Doppler cooling, is an established method for cooling atoms; however, because of the restricted parameters that are needed to trap antimatter, the researchers need to be absolutely sure that it is possible.
"It is not trivial to make the necessary amount of laser light at a specific wavelength of 121 nm. Even after making the light, it will be difficult to mesh it with an antihydrogen trapping experiment. By doing the calculations, we've shown that this effort is worthwhile," continued Professor Robicheaux.
Through a series of computer simulations, they showed that antihydrogen atoms could be cooled to around 20 millikelvin; trapped antihydrogen atoms so far have energies up to 500 millikelvin.
In 2011, researchers from CERN reported that they had trapped antimatter for over 1000 seconds – a record. A year later, the first experiments were performed on antihydrogen whilst it was trapped between a series of magnets.
Even though the processes that control the trapping are largely unknown, the researchers believe that the laser cooling should increase the amount of time antihydrogen can be trapped for.
"Whatever the processes are, having slower moving, and more deeply trapped, antihydrogen should decrease the loss rate," said Professor Robicheaux.
Colder antihydrogen atoms could also be used to measure the gravitational property of antimatter. "No one has ever seen antimatter actually fall in the field of gravity," said co-author Dr Makoto Fujiwara of TRIUMF, Canada's National Laboratory for Particle and Nuclear Physics. "Laser cooling would be a very significant step towards such an observation."
Antimatter fast facts:
- Every particle has an antiparticle. For example, an electron's antiparticle is the positron and a proton's antiparticle is an antiproton.
- An antiparticle is exactly the same as its corresponding particle but carries an opposite charge.
- If a particle and its corresponding antiparticle meet, they destroy each other. This is known as annihilation.
- The combination of one positron and one antiproton creates antihydrogen.
- Theories suggest that after the Big Bang, equal amounts of matter and antimatter should have formed. As the Universe today is composed almost entirely of matter, it remains a great mystery why we don't have this symmetry.
- Scientists such as the ALPHA collaboration at CERN have been trying to measure the properties of antihydrogen to find clues as to why this asymmetry exists.
More information: "A proposal for laser cooling antihydrogen atoms" 2013 J. Phys. B: At. Mol. Opt. Phys. 46 025302. iopscience.iop.org/0953-4075/46/2/025302
Journal information: Journal of Physics B: Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics
Provided by Institute of Physics